Viciedo joins group on DL

Sox outfielder could miss total of 3 weeks with strained left oblique

Outfielder Dayan Viciedo on Saturday became the fifth White Sox player on the disabled list, which doesn't count pitching coach Don Cooper, who returned from a bout of diverticulitis.

"I don't remember an April where we had five guys on the DL but that's just part of the gig and where we're at right now," general manager Rick Hahn said. "Fortunately, it's nothing that looks long term. … In the meantime we'll give some other guys opportunities."

Viciedo (strained left oblique) joins second baseman Gordon Beckham (broken hamate bone) and starter John Danks (shoulder) as key members who are missing. The other two are backup infielder Angel Sanchez (back) and reliever Leyson Septimo (shoulder).

Viciedo, who had seven hits in his final 14 at-bats, said going on the disabled list was "very disappointing" but also agreed with the decision.

"It's probably best to go on the DL to make sure (it gets) corrected before it starts lingering for a long time," he said through an interpreter.

The injury could mean Viciedo misses three weeks, which would include a rehab assignment.

The new man: While Jordan Danks got the start for Viciedo Saturday, the Sox also could use Dewayne Wise and Blake Tekotte, who was summoned from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday. All are left-handed hitters.

Ironically, Tekotte played in only one game at Charlotte after exiting from the disabled list with a strained hamstring. He was acquired last November from the Padres, where he played in only 30 games over two seasons.

"We're pretty right-handed dominant so those guys will get some opportunities," manager Robin Ventura said. "Teke can run a little bit so he could be running late, going in defensively, getting a start here and there. We'll just have to move it around and make it work."

Back in the coop: Cooper returned to the dugout after missing the road trip. He was just thankful he could return.

"There are so many people who wake up with pain every day, there are so many who have it so much worse than I had it," he said. "I had a bad stomach for, like, five straight days. It's small potatoes compared to many other people. … You just deal with it."

Close up: Hahn spent three years at Harvard Law School in the Boston area and is familiar with all the areas involved in the Boston Marathon bombings and ensuing manhunt.

"I don't think it was necessarily more poignant for me than it was for anybody," he said. "It has been mesmerizing to just about all of us. Certainly it was difficult to watch, difficult to digest and wrap your head around.

"It's nice now to get to the point where you can show your appreciation for the bravery and the dedication of the first responders and the police and the citizens of Boston. Hopefully we can start getting back to a little normalcy."

Extra innings: John Danks will be re-evaluated in the next few days after making another start in extended spring training Saturday. When Danks returns to Chicago on Sunday, "we'll sit down and talk directly about how he feels and what's the next step," Hahn said. Once his velocity improves, Danks will be sent on a minor league rehab assignment. … No makeup date has been set for Friday's postponed game. … The White Sox played Fenway Park staple "Sweet Caroline" at the seventh-inning stretch.